PODCAST: Owning the Room – Women Driving Change in Tech and Cybersecurity
In this special International Women’s Day episode, host Suzie Smibert, COO of RESTIV Technology, brings together an incredible panel of women in cybersecurity and tech leadership. They discuss the challenges of breaking into and thriving in a male-dominated industry, the importance of sponsorship over mentorship, and how to foster a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce.
Featuring:
- Megan Anderson, Chief of Staff at RESTIV Technology
- Jessica Wiseman, Director, Strategy and Transformation Office, PwC Canada
- Amy Caughlin, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Jazzberry
- Selina Lamb, Service Delivery Manager, Product Management, Fortinet
From imposter syndrome to the power of sponsorship, from career pivots to claiming space in the room, this conversation is an unfiltered look at what it takes to succeed in cybersecurity and beyond. If you’re a woman in tech, aspiring to lead, or looking for actionable insights on supporting diversity in your organization, this is a must-listen episode.
Topics Covered:
- Biggest career challenges and how to overcome them
- Why cybersecurity is still underrepresented by women
- The impact of sponsorship vs. mentorship
- How flexible work policies (done right) can increase retention
- The importance of visibility and role models in cybersecurity
- Rewriting outdated hiring processes to attract diverse talent
- Advice for women looking to break into cybersecurity or advance in leadership
Notable Quotes:
💡 “We all have imposter syndrome. We all think it’s unique to ourselves, but it’s not. Nobody really knows what they’re doing when they start out—just dig deep.” – Amy Caughlin
💡 “Say it anyway. Just do it anyway. Find your voice, claim your space.” – Megan Anderson
💡 “You may help others grow by doing the hard thing. So find that motivation somewhere else.” – Selina Lamb
💡 “Find a team where people light up when you enter the room. That’s where you want to be.” – Jessica Wiseman
💡 “Sponsorship isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about putting someone’s name in the room when they aren’t there to speak for themselves.” – Suzie Smibert
Key Takeaways for Listeners:
✔️ Own Your Space – Confidence is key, and so is surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
✔️ Sponsorship Over Mentorship – Advocates who champion your career make the biggest difference.
✔️ Diverse Hiring Needs a Reboot – The traditional “tech bro” pipeline is outdated—skills and leadership matter more than rigid job descriptions.
✔️ Flexible Work Isn’t Just About Fridays Off – True flexibility acknowledges different needs, from working parents to non-traditional work styles.
✔️ Network Relentlessly – Sometimes, your sponsor won’t come from your company—build and nurture a strong external network.
✔️ Step Into Challenges – Leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to take the lead.
Connect with the Guests on LinkedIn:
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